KATHMANDU: The government has clarified that there are no plans to remove the cricket stadium at Tribhuvan University, despite a recent notice issued to vacate the premises.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel said on Monday that the TU International Cricket Ground will not be dismantled.
Speaking while making public Cabinet decisions at Singha Durbar, Pokharel stated that the government has no intention of clearing the already constructed stadium.
He said discussions are ongoing with university officials, including the vice-chancellor, to manage the facility, and preparations are underway to renew the lease agreement under a new framework.
“The government has no objective of vacating or demolishing the stadium. As the lease period has expired, discussions are ongoing to move forward with a renewed arrangement,” he said.
Pokharel added that given the significant public investment in the stadium, its removal is not a possibility.
The clarification comes a day after Tribhuvan University issued a 35-day ultimatum on Sunday, directing concerned parties to vacate land within its premises as part of a broader campaign to reclaim encroached property.
Earlier, on April 17, the university had published a public notice instructing various organisations to clear occupied land. Under this process, the university’s General Administration Division had also written to the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Officials said the move was in line with efforts to reclaim encroached land, noting that the agreement between TU and CAN is set to expire at the end of the current month.
The stadium, including parapet construction and seating installation, was completed only a few months ago at a cost of around Rs 437.7 million.
Following the upgrades, the venue has already hosted two seasons of the Nepal Premier League, further reinforcing its importance as a key cricket infrastructure in the country.
Comment